Addis Ababa, 30 August 2006-- Efficient knowledge management and enhanced use of information and communication technology could help Africa overcome the digital divide, strengthen its health systems, improve health outcomes and provide equity in health.

This is contained in a report by WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Luis Sambo, to health ministers of the WHO African Region meeting from 28 August to 1 September in Addis Ababa

Dr Sambo says in the report: “In view of the paramount importance of knowledge management for health, Member States are encouraged to take full advantage of the current revolutions in knowledge management and ICT. These phenomena present extraordinary opportunities to advance health development; achieve the health-related MDGs and other internationally-agreed goals, and avoid marginalization at the global, regional and country levels.”

He called for the development of country-specific policies and plans to advance progress in knowledge management; generate data and evidence; identify best practices and set standards and norms.

Also needing urgent attention by Member States are capacity building to improve skills, behaviour and the managerial processes; effective knowledge generation, sharing and application, as well as the fostering of partnerships and mobilization of appropriate resources.

For further information contact:Technical Contact

Dr M. Hacen 
Email: kirigiaj [at] afro.who.int (kirigiaj[at]afro[dot]who[dot]int)

Media contact: 

Samuel T. Ajibola
Tel: + 47 241 39378
In Addis Ababa : 0911 53 23 32
Email: ajibolas [at] afro.who.int (ajibolas[at]afro[dot]who[dot]int)